Craig Sharmat - Outside In (2010)
This guitar player pushes all the right buttons on this picture perfect smooth jazz album full of great musicianship by several a-list players and catchy tunes. You will love it!

Phillip Brooks - Ocean View (2010)
This keyboarder has been a recent discovery, he delivers an excellent slice of smooth jazz with just the right mix of grooves and moods, done in an impeccable manner. Great stuff!

Patrick Yandall - The Window (2010)
Guitar player Patrick Yandall comes up with a great new release boasting top-notch material from beginning to end that should please every smooth jazz lover. Don't miss it!

Caldwell Plus - As We Bop (1988)
My nod to the past goes to this CD by the Caldwell brothers, despite relying on programmed beats, the playing on keys and reeds (especially EWI) and the strong compositions make this an album one I still love to go back to today. Stood the test of time!

D E N I S * P O O L E

�Centerpiece� by Hart Ramsey from his debut CD Charge It To My Heart. This upbeat sensation includes great sax from co-writer Kelly O�Neal, Ramsey on keys at his impressive best and a fabulous guitar solo from Eric Essix who over the years has enjoyed solo smooth jazz hits with tunes such as �For Real� and �Rainy Night In

�Pastels� by Gabriel from his latest release Told Ya So. Trumpet, flute, and flugelhorn player Gabriel Mark Hasselbach (aka Gabriel) delivers a deconstructed but totally hypnotic gem that finds him sharing the honors with Miles Black on keys, bass and guitar. Chilled out contemporary jazz doesn�t come better than this.

�That Man� by Paula Prophet that is taken from her debut collection From Me To You. Written by Paula, the track originally featured on Bradley Leighton�s 2006 project �Soul Collective� where it showcased Tom Scott on sax. Here the playing of John Rekevics matches Scott note for note while Prophet generates a distinctly 5th Dimension like sound.

�5 O�Clock In Rio� by Shilts from has latest recording Going Underground. This easy grooving cut finds Shilts notching down the intensity that characterise much of the collection. Notable both for its smooth Latin groove, Marc Antoine�s input on guitars and a wonderful piano solo from Brian Simpson this is a track that is right up there with the albums best.

With Christmas right around the corner, the best seasonal smooth jazz cut so far is the fine new mix by guitarist Jim Adkins of the classic �Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas�. Released digitally, it not only captures the festive spirit but also taps into that distinctive Adkins sound that was so prevalent on his splendid 2008 album City Streets.